A physician, researcher,social worker committed to diabetes care and research.
Joined August 2009
- Tweets 893
- Following 95
- Followers 1,142
- Likes 1,852
158 Photos and videos
Jothydev Kesavadev retweeted
Jun 13
📖🩺 The P. Kesavadev Literary & Diabscreen Kerala Awards 2026 are announced!
Literary Award → novelist Subhash Chandran (Manushyanu Oru Aamukham, Samudrashila), Editor of Mathrubhumi Weekly.
Diabscreen Award → Dr. Thankam Subramonian, who won a decade-long legal fight to donate her kidney to a stranger, sending a powerful message: healthy people can safely donate organs in their lifetime.
3
4
1,633
Jothydev Kesavadev retweeted
Proud to see Dr. Thankam S., Foetal Medicine Specialist at Manipal Hospitals Bengaluru, featured in @THEWEEKLIVE.
Her decade-long journey to become a living kidney donor for a complete stranger is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of organ donation and human compassion.
Thank you, The Week, for spotlighting this inspiring story.
@PMOIndia @CMofKarnataka @dineshgrao
#OrganDonation #KidneyDonation #ManipalHospitals #YourManipal #Healthcare #LifesOn
3
3
9
863
Jun 2
India’s obesity and diabetes care landscape is entering a transformative phase.
An article published today in The Telegraph, one of India’s premier newspapers, by veteran journalist Paran Balakrishnan, highlights the soaring demand for Ozempic® and Wegovy® and the rapidly evolving obesity treatment landscape in India.
@BalaParan
Full news link in the comment box.
The increasing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease requiring medical intervention-not merely a lifestyle issue, is encouraging more people to seek evidence-based treatment.
In the article, I shared that while I continue to prescribe innovator semaglutide formulations, which are supported by extensive clinical research and real-world evidence, India remains a highly cost-sensitive market. As lower-cost semaglutide options become available, more physicians are able to extend treatment to a much larger population that previously could not access these therapies because of affordability constraints.
The report also features the perspectives of Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, who aptly described obesity as the “mother of most metabolic diseases,” and Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and one of India’s most respected diabetologists, who has consistently advocated for evidence-based approaches to obesity and diabetes care.
This should not be viewed as a battle between innovator and non-innovator products.
Innovator therapies such as Ozempic® and Wegovy® have transformed metabolic medicine through decades of scientific investment, rigorous clinical trials, and ongoing evidence generation. At the same time, quality-assured, affordable alternatives can help democratize access and allow many more patients to benefit from this important therapeutic class.
For a country facing rapidly rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders, wider access to effective treatment is a public health necessity.
The future is not innovator versus generic. It is innovator and generic, working together to improve access, outcomes, and quality of life for millions of people living with obesity and diabetes.
Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev
Chairman & Managing Director
Jothydev’s Diabetes Research Centre
#Obesity #Diabetes #Semaglutide #GLP1 #Ozempic #Wegovy #NovoNordisk #MetabolicHealth #ObesityMedicine #HealthcareInnovation #JothydevKesavadev #IndiaHealthcare
1
1
2
218
Jun 2
1
38
May 30
It was a memorable and emotional moment for us to meet the new, Hon. Chief Minister of Kerala, V. D. Satheesan, along with my wife Sunitha Jothydev, and present him a memento on behalf of the P. Kesavadev Trust.
For Shri Satheesan, who has represented North Paravur for over two decades, the land where my father, the legendary writer P. Kesavadev, was born, the occasion carried special significance.
We also presented him Stories by Kesavadev published by DC Books. What deeply touched me was his response:
“I have read all the books written by Kesavadev. Now it’s time to read them once again.”
It is always inspiring to meet public leaders who value literature, reading and culture. Politics apart, this was truly a meaningful literary and cultural interaction.
@vdsatheesan
#PKesavadev #VDSatheesan #MalayalamLiterature #Kerala #DCBooks #Culture #Leadership #kesavadevtrust
2
55
Time is running out!
P. Kesavadev JPEF Young Researcher Award 2026
July 10-12
Win ₹1,00,000 Gold Medal Citation Travel Grant
Final Deadline: MAY 15, 2026
Submit your abstract: jpefaward@jothydev.net
More details: jpef.in/jpefawards.html
1
1
55
Missed the deadline?
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED
Now till MAY 11, 2026 - FINAL CALL!
14th JPEF 2026
Uday Samudra, Kovalam, Trivandrum | July 10–12
Don’t wait. Don’t miss again. Submit NOW: jpef.in/jpef2026/abstract/
Register for the conference:
jpef.in/jpef2026/registratio…
1
1
55
May 5
The conversation around weight loss in India is changing-rapidly, and not always responsibly.
I had the opportunity to be featured in The Indian Express on a topic that deserves urgent clinical and societal attention: the rising use of GLP-1–based therapies like Ozempic and Mounjaro, driven not just by medical need, but by a growing culture of “lookism.”
This piece, thoughtfully put together by Rinku, goes beyond expert opinion. It includes real-world voices-patients who have willingly shared their journeys, their motivations, and the outcomes they experienced.
As clinicians, we are now navigating a complex intersection:
• Evidence-based metabolic care
• Patient expectations shaped by social perception
• Increasing off-label demand for powerful therapies
GLP-1 receptor agonists are transformative—no doubt. But they are not cosmetic tools. They are potent metabolic interventions that must be used judiciously, ethically, and under proper medical supervision.
What concerns me is not the science-but the context in which it is being applied.
We must collectively ensure:
✔ Appropriate patient selection
✔ Long-term safety monitoring
✔ Clear communication of risks vs benefits
✔ Protection against misuse driven by unrealistic body image standards
This is not just about weight loss. It is about redefining what responsible care looks like in the era of powerful therapeutics.
Grateful to The Indian Express team for highlighting this important issue-and to my patients who courageously shared their stories for the larger good.
🔗 Read the full article: indianexpress.com/article/ex…
#ObesityCare #GLP1 #EthicalMedicine #PatientSafety #DiabetesCare #Endocrinology #IndiaHealthcare #MedicalEthics
2
52
Jothydev Kesavadev retweeted
🎥 Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev (@jothydev) (All India EC Member, RSSDI) shares insights on diabetes & foot care.
Early care can prevent serious complications.
#RSSDI #FootCare #DiabetesCare
1
3
71
Jothydev Kesavadev retweeted
Apr 2
Passengers on a commercial flight captured the launch of Artemis II on camera
The plane happened to pass near the launch trajectory at the exact moment of liftoff, giving passengers a rare view of the rocket launch right from their windows.
420
4,832
25,908
1,432,120
Apr 1
As doctors, do we have any serious challenges delivering the best care for obesity and diabetes?
Had a very fruitful 2.5-hour interactive session with leading diabetology specialists in Trivandrum, focusing on early obesity diagnosis, synthetic semaglutide and its evolving role.
It was an engaging exchange of ideas, especially around the challenges in early diagnosis and management of overweight and obesity.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
• Many patients still do not accept obesity as a medical diagnosis
• Conditions like sleep apnea and osteoarthritis often help patients better understand the urgent need for obesity treatment
• Average consultation time is often limited to just 3–4 minutes, making detailed discussions difficult(huge patient numbers)
• The availability of lower-cost once-weekly generic semaglutide has opened new possibilities in managing people with type 2 diabetes.
• There remain patient concerns about serious adverse effects such as gastroparesis, vision loss, medullary thyroid cancer, highlighting the need for better awareness and evidence-based counselling.
Notably, semaglutide (innovator: Novo Nordisk) has been in use for nearly a decade and has become a global blockbuster, supported by robust clinical evidence. It’s not only safe but also proven to be effective in more than a dozen disorders.
Grateful to Lupin for the opportunity to moderate this session and facilitate such a meaningful brainstorming interaction.
We are truly at a turning point in transforming obesity and diabetes care in India.
A reminder to both clinicians and patients: make informed choices, ensure regular follow-up, and aim to achieve treatment goals safely and effectively.
Please remember, these are prescription medications and should always be used under specialist guidance.
#Obesitycare
#Semaglutide
#trivandrumdocs
#affordabletreatment
#Semanext
1
88
P. Kesavadev JPEF Award 2026
14th Annual Global Diabetes Convention
Award Includes:
* ₹1,00,000 Cash Prize
* Gold Medal
* Prestigious Citation
* Travel Grant
📧 Submit your abstract: jpefaward@jothydev.net
🌐 More details: jpef.in/jpef2026/awards/
1
2
50
Mar 16
Honored to speak at ATTD 2026, Barcelona,Spain,(Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes), one of the world’s largest and most influential technology conferences in diabetes.
My presentation focused on an exciting and rapidly evolving area: “Experience Integrating AI in our EMR: DTMS-AI.”
Over the past 3 decades, our clinical ecosystem has accumulated a rich longitudinal diabetes data bank through the Diabetes Tele Management System (DTMS).
By securely integrating Artificial Intelligence within our EMR framework, we are now entering a new phase of diabetes care where data does far more than simply record history.
AI integration enables:
• Deep pattern recognition across years of patient data
• Predictive analytics for early identification of clinical risks
• Decision-support insights for clinicians at the point of care
• Personalized treatment pathways based on real-world longitudinal data
Importantly, the focus is on secure, ethical, and clinically meaningful deployment of AI, ensuring that technology augments physician intelligence rather than replacing it.
During the session, I also demonstrated DTMS-AI in action, showcasing how AI can interact with decades of structured clinical data to generate clinically useful insights that may help transform the future of diabetes management.
Grateful to distinguished colleagues Drs.Moshe Philip, Tadej Battelino, and Banshi Saboo for the opportunity to present in the D-Tech session at ATTD.
@banshisaboo @dramitaol @drrakeshparikh @ManojCh00190740
Exciting times ahead as AI, digital therapeutics, and clinical medicine converge to redefine diabetes care.
(Due to the ongoing global situation and travel constraints, I had to deliver my lecture virtually)
#ATTD2026
#DiabetesTechnology
#ArtificialIntelligence
#DigitalHealth
#PrecisionMedicine
#DiabetesCare
#ClinicalInnovation
#DTMS
#HealthcareAI
#FutureOfMedicine
1
5
75
Mar 11
🚨Registrations are now OPEN for the 14th Annual Global Diabetes Convention-JPEF 2026,
one of the oldest and respected diabetes conventions in India.
For over 13 years, the Jothydev’s Professional Education Forum (JPEF) has been a platform dedicated to advancing diabetes knowledge, clinical excellence, and collaborative learning among healthcare professionals. We are delighted to continue this legacy with the 14th edition of our Global Diabetes Convention.
📅 July 10, 11 & 12, 2026
📍 Uday Samudra, Kovalam, Trivandrum
Theme 2026: Helping You Choose the Best in Diabetes Care
This three-day international convention will bring together leading experts, clinicians, and researchers to discuss evidence-based approaches, emerging therapies, technologies, and practical strategies for optimal diabetes management.
🔗 Registrations are now open:
Link in the comment box
We warmly invite colleagues and healthcare professionals from across the world to join us for three days of meaningful scientific exchange and learning.
#JPEF2026 #GlobalDiabetesConvention #DiabetesCare #MedicalEducation #Diabetology #jothydevsprofessionaleducationforum
1
2
41
Feb 18
📌 “Obesity is more than a lifestyle condition;for many patients, it’s a chronic disease that requires compassion, clinical care, and long-term support.”
I’m grateful to Rinku Ghosh, Health Section Lead at The Indian Express, for her thoughtful coverage of obesity as a chronic disease in India.
Read the full story in Indian Express at the following link in the comment box.
Her article shines a critical spotlight on the lived experiences of people struggling with weight-related health burdens and moves the conversation beyond stigma and oversimplified advice.
In the story, a young man’s journey from 150 kg with diabetes and hypertension to seeking care highlights what we see day in and day out in clinical practice: obesity profoundly impacts physical, mental and social wellbeing.
As a clinician at Jothydev’s Diabetes Research Centre, I strongly believe obesity should be recognised as a chronic disease because:
• It involves complex biological pathways and metabolic dysfunction.
• It increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and many other complications.
• It requires ongoing medical support, structured care plans, and emotional support-not just “eat less, move more.”
Reframing obesity as a chronic disease honours the complexity of each person’s journey, reduces blame, and opens doors to better, more supportive care.
Thanks again to The Indian Express for bringing this important narrative to a broader audience. 🙏
@unnishanker @IndianExpress
#PatientCenteredCare #ObesityCare #ChronicDisease #MetabolicHealth #Diabetes #Healthcare #PublicHealth #CompassionInMedicine
2
5
584
Feb 15
I am pleased to share that our white paper on obesity in India has been featured in the The Times of India, in a report by Preetu Nair.
As the second author of the paper published in the World Obesity Federation journal Clinical Obesity, I strongly reiterate a critical message:
Obesity must be recognised as a chronic, complex disease, not merely a lifestyle condition.
Despite the World Health Organization classifying obesity as a disease decades ago, India continues to treat it largely as a lifestyle issue. This perception fuels stigma, delays intervention, and worsens long-term health outcomes .
Key concerns highlighted:
• Obesity is linked to over 270 diseases
• India had the third-largest number of adults with obesity globally in 2022
• 12.5 million children and adolescents in India are living with obesity
• Kerala shows particularly high prevalence, with alarming abdominal obesity rates
Our Obesity Advocacy Group Forum has recommended four transformative actions:
1️⃣ Official recognition of obesity as a complex chronic disease
2️⃣ Shift from reactive disease management to proactive health promotion
3️⃣ Strengthening healthcare systems for structured obesity care
4️⃣ Expanding societal and institutional support for people living with obesity
Kerala, in particular, requires urgent primary prevention strategies, structured school-based physical activity, muscle strengthening programs, dietary literacy, and early screening for central adiposity .
India stands at a critical juncture. Without policy reform, the medical, social, and economic burden will escalate dramatically.
Grateful to the media for amplifying this important public health conversation.
Heartiest congratulations and thanks to Dr Sanjay Kalra for taking the lead.
@novonordisk
#Obesity #PublicHealth #PolicyChange #NonCommunicableDiseases #KeralaHealth #HealthEquity #ClinicalObesity #PreventiveHealthcare
25
72
3,179
Feb 11
I am pleased to share a recent publication on Obesity burden in India in “International Journal Clinical Obesity” the official journal of the world obesity federation.
Me alongside some of the senior obesity thought leaders and health care professionals from both public and private sector across India, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk India came together in Sep 2024, to deliberate on the cornerstones of obesity management in India. The day-long discussions yielded several critical recommendations for managing obesity as a public health priority and as a chronic disease in India. Since then, we’ve worked together to consolidate factual public health data & information, resulting in the development of a manuscript, which has now been published as a whitepaper.
The article outlines the rapid rise in obesity prevalence, its clinical and socioeconomic implications, and emphasizes the importance of coordinated action across healthcare systems, policymakers, and community stakeholders to enable effective prevention and evidence-based management.
As clinicians, we have a responsibility not only to treat obesity, but also to advocate for structured pathways of care that improve early detection, access to therapy, and long-term outcomes.
Grateful for the continued collaboration and support from Novo Nordisk in advancing scientific dialogue and awareness around obesity as a chronic disease.
Link to full text in the comment box
#ClinicalObesity #ObesityInIndia #PublicHealth #NCDs #ChronicDisease #PreventiveHealthcare #HealthPolicy #EvidenceBasedMedicine #NovoNordisk #Diabetology #Endocrinology
1
2
44